Important announcement regarding internships:

At this time, MMC has temporarily suspended our internship program due to vagaries of weather and construction at our hospital facility. We appreciate the interest and talent of the students who contact us and we look forward to providing a challenging and rewarding internship experience in the future.

Student Profile

College age: Freshman to Graduate Students

Length of stay

MMC will accommodate the intern’s schedule, but we request a minimum of 10 weeks of the intern’s time at the facility.

Disciplines

Interns will be working on a variety of projects in marine mammal husbandry and related fields. While specific disciplines are not required, having a background in one of the following would allow the student to participate fully and gain more from the internship program.

These disciplines are suggested due to the fact that, while interning, a student may have the opportunity to participate in various forms of research, as well as aiding in the rehabilitation of any marine mammals that may be in need of assistance while the student is here. Definite interest in marine mammal care is required for any internship position at MMC. If a student does not fit into any of these pre-determined disciplines but is still interested in participating, the application will still be processed. MMC is looking for individuals who are willing to go the extra mile for marine mammals. If a student feels he/she can do this, he/she should not hesitate to apply!

Application Process

To apply for an internship with Marine Mammal Conservancy, the following paperwork is needed:

* Cover letter

Explaining reasons for applying and goals expected from this internship. A brief summary of any school and real work experience dealing with marine mammals is appreciated.

* Resume

Highlighting work and/or experience in any of the pre-determined disciplines or marine mammal husbandry and care.

* Internship Statement

Brief statement stating why this position is being applied for, what goals the

student is seeking to meet and the expected outcome of the internship experience.

* Letter of Recommendations

Two letters of recommendation with one being from an instructor in the student’s primary field of study.

* References

At least three (may be the same as those of letter of recommendation), with whom MMC can make contact easily. Please attach to resume.

Internship Duties

MMC is dedicated to all issues related to the care and well being of marine mammals. As an intern of the facility, there will be opportunities to participate in any and all aspects observed at MMC. Depending on the intern’s interests and the needs of MMC for that particular time, daily tasks may include marine mammal release protocol research, database collections and programming, community service organization and programming, advocacy research and work, public awareness programming, water quality and environmental research and testing, basic facility and area maintenance, wild marine mammal tracking and research and, when needed, animal husbandry and care.

“When needed” precedes animal husbandry and care due to the fact that MMC is not an aquarium. This facility is designed to care, treat and rehabilitate stranded marine mammals or those received through other means with the goal of releasing them, preferably, back into the wild. MMC was not created to collect marine mammals for display purposes, but rather to help those that come to the facility and then place them in those habitats that suit their situation the best, whether it be in the wild or a different habitat/facility. This means that during an intern’s stay there is a chance that there will be no marine mammals at the facility; however, if there are animals to be cared for the interns will have ample opportunity to work with and behind the scenes during the rehabilitation process.

One thing to remember, whether there is an animal being cared for or not, each intern will be trained to participate as an MMC volunteer and will then be given the opportunity to serve as assistant husbandry personnel and/or volunteer coordinator when the need arises.

Internship Benefits

Selected interns will receive the opportunity to work hands on in a steadily growing organization. MMC is dedicated to providing aid to marine mammals in need as well as improving the surrounding environment in which we all live. To intern with MMC will be an opportunity for students to earn professional experience through hands-on work and research with a common goal of helping to make our environment better for marine mammals.

Since MMC is a not-for-profit organization, these internships will be on a volunteer basis; MMC will help find lodging if requested, however rent will need to be paid for by that intern at the rental location. Budget accordingly as rent can be as high as $800.00 per month per intern.

Personal transportation will be needed for getting to and from the MMC facility. During a stranding, etc. transportation will be provided; however having an extra vehicle to transport extra supplies and/or volunteers is always beneficial. Fuel costs in these instances will be reimbursed. The MMC facility is at MM 102.5 in Key Largo Florida. Housing and transportation arrangements should be made accordingly.

Application Deadlines

Summer (June 1 through August 31) internships: February 1 of desired year

Fall (September 1 through December 31) internships: May 1 of desired year

Winter (January 1 through March 31) internships: September 1 of previous year

Questions or comments may be directed to Lloyd Brown or Kate Banick at: rgl@marinemammalconservancy.org